China Introduces New Reforms to Reduce Students’ Academic Burden
China’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced a new ten-point reform package aimed at reducing the academic workload of primary and secondary school students. The measures seek to address the long-standing issue of excessive homework and exam pressure in the country’s education system.
Among the new regulations are limits on the amount of written homework, a reduction in the frequency of daily tests, and a requirement to keep exam difficulty at a reasonable level. The ministry has also recommended that all schools introduce at least one “homework-free day” each week.
To support students’ mental and physical wellbeing, schools will be required to organise at least one monthly activity focused on health and safety education. In addition, every school must ensure the full implementation of a daily two-hour physical activity programme. The ministry has also called on local communities to provide students with better access to nearby sports facilities.
The new measures encourage students to get adequate sleep and to develop healthy internet habits. The MOE emphasised the need to provide special support for vulnerable groups, including “left-behind” children in rural areas, orphans, and students from single-parent families.
Finally, the ministry highlighted the importance of fostering harmonious parent–child relationships as an integral part of the educational process. This comprehensive reform aims to accelerate China’s transition towards a more balanced, healthy and student-centred education system.